Storybook Corner Creating a Multicultural Children's Library

Paris, France

Parisian Pages Initiative

190 Backers

  • 48%

    Raised

  • 190

    Backers

  • 18

    Day Left

raised
0 %

Goal: $54,321

Funding

Short description

We are creating a free, lending library filled with children's books from around the world, celebrating diversity and promoting bilingualism. Our space will host read-aloud sessions and author events for families.

Introduction

In a beautifully diverse city like Paris, many children grow up without seeing their own culture, language, or family structure reflected in the stories they read. Conversely, they may have little exposure to the rich tapestry of cultures that surround them. Storybook Corner aims to fill this gap by providing a treasure trove of books that serve as both mirrors and windows for young readers.

Our collection will feature picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels in dozens of languages, with a focus on stories written by authors from diverse backgrounds. We believe that reading stories from different cultures fosters empathy, reduces prejudice, and helps all children feel a sense of belonging. For bilingual families, it provides vital resources to maintain heritage languages.

The library itself will be a magical, welcoming space designed for children, with cozy reading nooks, art supplies for creative response, and a small stage for performances. We will host regular story times in various languages, workshops on bookmaking, and visits from local authors and illustrators. This campaign will fund the initial book purchase, shelving, interior fit-out, and the first year's rent for a storefront in a central, accessible location.

Our Mission

Our mission is to nurture a generation of empathetic, globally-minded readers. We aim to make diverse literature accessible to all families, regardless of income, and to become a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates storytelling in all its forms.

Key Features

The library will operate on a free membership model. We will have a digital catalog and a "book bike" for pop-up events in parks and at festivals. A key feature is our "Story Ambassador" program, where volunteers read in their native tongue.

What Makes Our Project Unique

While Paris has many libraries, none are dedicated solely to multicultural and multilingual children's literature.

  • We focus on accessibility, ensuring our space is stroller-friendly and welcoming to neurodiverse children.
  • Our programming is designed to actively bring different communities together.

Exclusive Rewards for Backers

  • $10 – A bookmark with a quote from a global children's author.
  • $20 – A digital list of recommended diverse children's books.
  • $30 – Your name in the front of a library book.
  • $50 – A personalized book recommendation for a child.
  • $100 – A private story time session for your family.
  • $250 – The opportunity to name a reading nook in the library.

Meet our team

Our team is composed of librarians, educators, and parents from a variety of cultural backgrounds who are passionate about children's literature and social justice. Our head curator, Dr. Isabelle Laurent, is a renowned scholar in comparative children's literature.

Join Us

Help us build a world of stories for every child. Your support fills shelves with books that open minds and hearts. Donate today to help us write the first chapter of this incredible community resource.

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